WVHS Boys Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony

On February 20, the Warwick Valley High School boys basketball program and the Hall of Fame Committee recognized two former Wildcats for their induction into the Warwick Boys Basketball Hall of Fame.

Also recognized were seven Hall of Fame inductees who attended the ceremony: Bill Batz, Chris Andre, Matt Ferguson, Dave Filipowski, Tom Folino, John Leigh, John McCombs, and Varick Ward. Through their efforts, commitment, and past accomplishments on the hardwood as former Wildcats, they have all helped shape the history of Warwick Wildcat basketball. Turning to this year’s honorees, the class of 2026 consists of two former Wildcat student-athletes: Taft Holland and Jordan Totaro, who were selected by the boys basketball Hall of Fame Committee.

Taft Holland, a graduate of the WVHS class of 1989, was a three-year varsity player and starter (1985-88). Holland played under head coach Tom Folino. He was captain of the 1988-89 team. He was the MVP for the 1986-87 season as a sophomore. As a junior, he helped lead the 1987-88 team to the Section IX Class B playoffs, where they were eventually defeated by John S. Burke in the semifinals. That team finished with 13 wins, the most in a season since 1974-75. Holland is the eighth all-time leading scorer in Wildcat history with a total of 656 points. He averaged 12.4 points per game for his three-year varsity career, with a career shooting percentage of 43.3%. He finished his career with 471 rebounds, 129 steals, and 155 assists. He was one of the best defensive players in Section IX during his career. Holland was a three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. Holland resides in Honesdale, Pa., and is a support coordinator for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

"Taft is one of the most talented and athletic players that I had the opportunity and privilege to coach," Coach Folino said. "Taft was a great teammate who always placed 'team' and 'winning' above individual accolades. He made all his teammates better. He had a special skill set and was a well-rounded player who excelled both defensively and
offensively. Taft played his best in the biggest moments. He was truly a special athlete, student, and person."

Taft’s most memorable high school basketball moment?

"While I'm proud of points scored and games won," Taft said, "my most memorable moments are the tough practices, long bus rides, and the feeling of being part of a family with great teammates and coaches."

Jordan Totaro, a graduate of the WVHS class of 2013, was a two-year varsity player and starter. He played under coach Tom Folino. Totaro was a two-year captain. He was a key contributor for the 2011-12 team, which finished tied for first place in the Class AA Division II. He helped lead the 2011-12 and 2012-13 teams to the Section IX Class AA tournament. The 2011-12 team lost to Washingtonville in the quarterfinals. He was the 2012-13 MVP during his senior year. Totaro was the team's best defensive player, assigned to the opponent's best offensive player regardless of position. He led the team for two consecutive years in terms of charges taken. He averaged 11.3 points per game for his varsity career and was one of the team leaders in assists, rebounds, and steals during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. Totaro resides in Portland, Conn., and is a physician assistant in the surgical ICU at Hartford Hospital.

"Jordan was one of the best high school basketball players that I had the privilege to coach during my tenure at Warwick," Coach Folino said.

Jordan was the ultimate team leader, leading by example and through hard work. He always put the team above himself and was a true role model not only for his teammates but also for all students and athletes. He was our best defender and rebounder, and was willing to take on any role to help his team be successful. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been his teacher and coach. Jordan shared that his most memorable high school basketball moment was beating division champion Washingtonville at home on senior night. It was very special for him to help send the graduating seniors out on a high note.

Congratulations, Taft and Jordan, on your induction into the Boys Basketball Hall of Fame!

If you would like to nominate a former Warwick Valley Wildcat basketball player for hall of fame consideration, contact Tom Folino at (845) 988-6564 or by email.